Canadian Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Canada is often stereotyped for its cold winters, hockey obsession, and polite people. But beyond the clichés, there are countless fascinating things about this country that don’t always make the headlines. Here are some surprising facts about Canada — from its coastlines and creatures to its coins and cultures — that might just give you a new appreciation for the Great White North.

1. Canada has the world’s longest coastline

Stretching over 243,000 kilometres (151,000 miles), Canada’s coastline is longer than that of any other country on Earth. It borders three oceans — the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic — giving Canada a maritime footprint unlike anywhere else. If you tried to walk the entire length at 20 km a day, it would take you more than 33 years to finish!

2. It holds 20% of the world’s freshwater

Canada is often called the land of lakes — with good reason. It has more lakes than every other country combined, with estimates of over two million lakes, holding about 20% of the entire planet’s freshwater supply. That’s a staggering amount for a country that only makes up about 7% of Earth’s land area.

3. The polar bear capital of the world is in Canada

Churchill, Manitoba, a small town on the shores of Hudson Bay, is known as the polar bear capital of the world. Each autumn, hundreds of polar bears gather near town waiting for the sea ice to form. The community even has “polar bear jails” — secure holding areas for bears that wander too close, so they can be safely relocated.

4. Canada’s official phone number: 1-800-O-CANADA

Most countries don’t have a direct number you can call for national information, but Canada does. Dial 1-800-O-CANADA (1-800-622-6232) and you’ll reach a line that helps with everything from government services to general questions about Canada.

5. The only walled city north of Mexico is in Canada

Quebec City’s Old Town is the only fortified city north of Mexico with its original walls still intact. These ramparts, dating back to the 1600s, wind through cobblestone streets and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. It has the largest demilitarized border in the world

The Canada–U.S. border stretches almost 8,900 kilometres (5,525 miles), making it the world’s longest undefended international boundary. Instead of fences or walls, much of it is simply a cleared strip of forest — and a shared understanding.

7. Canada has the world’s smallest jail

In Rodney, Ontario, you’ll find what’s often called the smallest jail on Earth. Built in 1890, this quaint lockup measures just 24.3 square metres (about 260 square feet) — smaller than some tiny homes.

8. Santa Claus has a Canadian postal code

Every year, hundreds of thousands of children send letters to Santa Claus in Canada. Thanks to Canada Post volunteers, each one gets a reply, using the official postal code:
H0H 0H0 — a nod to Santa’s famous laugh.

9. It’s home to the oldest company in North America

The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) was established in 1670. It began as a fur trading enterprise and was operating until very recently, making it not only Canada’s oldest company but also the oldest continuously operating company in North America. RIP.

10. Canadians invented a lot of everyday things

Canadians have come up with plenty of important innovations, including the paint roller, the electric wheelchair, the pacemaker, instant mashed potatoes, and even Trivial Pursuit. As for hockey, it evolved here too, though exactly where and how is still hotly debated.

11. Indigenous peoples have lived here for at least 15,000 years

Archaeological records show that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have lived on these lands for over 15,000 years, making Canada home to some of the world’s oldest continuous cultures. Today, there are over 630 recognized First Nations communities, and more than 50 distinct Indigenous languages spoken. Many Canadian place names — like Toronto, Saskatchewan, and Quebec — come from Indigenous words.

12. Canada has a desert — with sand dunes

It surprises many to learn that Canada isn’t all snow and forests. Near Osoyoos, British Columbia, you’ll find part of the northern tip of the Great Basin Desert, complete with sagebrush and sand dunes. It gets just about 25 cm of rain a year, classifying it as a true desert.

13. The national flag is surprisingly young

Canada’s iconic red-and-white maple leaf flag was only adopted on February 15, 1965. Before that, Canadians mostly flew variations of the British Red Ensign. The flag is younger than many Canadians alive today!

14. We produce 71% of the world’s maple syrup

When people joke that Canadians run on maple syrup, they’re not far off. Canada produces about 71% of the entire world’s supply, with roughly 90% of that coming from Quebec. Quebec even maintains a strategic maple syrup reserve — like oil, but sweeter.

15. The $1 million coin

In 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint unveiled the first ever $1 million coin, made of 100 kilograms of 99.999% pure gold. Originally a showpiece, it proved so popular that five were sold to buyers around the world. Its gold content alone makes it worth far more than its face value.

16. The world’s largest skating rink is a natural one

Ottawa’s Rideau Canal Skateway holds the Guinness World Record for the largest naturally frozen skating rink. Each winter, roughly 7.8 kilometres (4.8 miles) of the canal turns into a giant outdoor ice path through downtown, where people skate to work, festivals, and of course — to grab BeaverTails.

Indigenous peoples continue to shape Canada in profound ways. From safeguarding languages and traditional ecological knowledge to leading efforts in reconciliation and environmental stewardship, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities are essential to Canada’s story — past, present, and future. Recognizing and respecting their rights and histories isn’t just important; it’s fundamental to understanding what Canada truly is.

🇨🇦 So next time someone mentions maple syrup or hockey, you’ll have plenty more to add. Canada is full of quirky, impressive, and often surprising stories — and knowing them makes exploring this country all the more meaningful.